The oral translation of Ruben Vardanyan's case was done incorrectly, and Arayik Harutyunyan and David Babayan spoke about the conditions of their detention in Azerbaijan. The trial of the former military and political leaders of Artsakh continued in the Baku Military Court on February 6. Ruben Vardanyan's trial will continue on February 10.
Azerbaijani media outlets have published certain details about the latest court session. According to these reports, excerpts from the indictment were presented, and former President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as former Foreign Minister, Davit Babayan, were given the opportunity to speak.
"During the hearing, the defense attorney presented two objections, one of which was regarding the translator. In addition to the fact that the fabricated case file contains 422 volumes in Azerbaijani, it turned out that the translator assigned to him, who was supposed to provide at least an oral translation of the case materials (since written translation and even notes are not allowed), did not provide a proper oral translation and made serious mistakes. In some places, there were even references to the legislation of Belarus, not Azerbaijan. According to the information provided to me, the court ordered Ruben Vardanyan and his defense attorney to provide an adequate translation. And this was only during the third hearing, when the examination of the case on the merits began. In addition, all the defense attorney's motions to receive copies of the case file and to familiarize themselves with the content of the videotapes were rejected. Naturally, the Azerbaijani media do not report this," noted Siranush Sahakyan.
Azerbaijani media claims that Arayik Harutyunyan made a statement, saying that he is aware of the law regarding detention conditions and that all norms are being observed. "The International Committee of the Red Cross visits us regularly, and we have the opportunity to make phone calls to our family members. The treatment we receive complies with the law. What concerns me most is the well-being of our families and friends."
According to these media sources, former Foreign Minister of Artsakh, Davit Babayan, also requested the right to speak. Allegedly, he stated that he is satisfied with the detention conditions and that no pressure has been exerted on him or the other defendants. "Speaking on my own behalf, I can say that no pressure has been applied to us here. We are treated with respect at all times. Let them ask themselves what they would have done in our place. We have the courage to speak the truth. The truth knows no boundaries. Our prison is very good.”
Siranush Sahakyan does not refer to these speeches unequivocally. The human rights defender is convinced that they are made under pressure. “For any international specialist, these testimonies do not sound credible,” said Sahakyan.
According to her, from the published excerpts of the indictment, it becomes clear that the general meaning of this trial is to achieve the inadmissibility of the principle of Artsakh’s right to self-determination and to destroy all efforts for self-determination. The authorities are attempting to portray the entire matter as "criminal activity aimed at territorial occupation."